Health Information

General Research & News

A comparison of nutritional value of organically and conventionally grown plant derived foods.

Conclusion: Organically produced plant derived food products have a higher nutritional value, including antioxidants than conventional ones. Furthermore, due to the fact that there is a lower level of contamination in organic crops, the risk of diseases caused by contaminated food is significantly reduced. -National Institutes of Health. Orv Hetil. 2006 Oct 29;147(43):2081-90.

Study Examining the Antioxidant Capacity and Health of Organically vs. Conventionally grown Blueberries

Results showed that blueberry fruit grown from organic culture yielded significantly higher malic acid, total phenolics, total anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity (ORAC) than fruit from the conventional culture. -National Institutes of Health. J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Jul 23;56(14):5788-94.

This study examined the effects of freezing, storage, and cabinet drying on the anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of blueberries

Frozen samples did not show any significant decrease in anthocyanin level during three months of storage. Measurement of the antioxidant activity of anthocyanin extracts from blueberries showed there was no significant difference between fresh, dried, and frozen blueberries. -National Institutes of Health.J Biomed Biotechnol. 2004 December 1; 2004(5): 248-252.

Berries: Emerging Impact on Cardiovascular Health

Human intervention studies using chokeberries, cranberries and blueberries have demonstrated significant improvements in LDL oxidation, lipid peroxidation, total plasma antioxidant capacity, dyslipidemia, and glucose metabolism. - Basu, A., Rhone, M. and Lyons, T. J. (2010). Nutrition Reviews, National Institutes of Health.

The Beneficial Effects of Fruit Polyphenols on Brain Aging

Research from our laboratory has shown that nutritional antioxidants, such as the polyphenols found in blueberries, can reverse age-related declines in neuronal signal transduction as well as cognitive and motor deficits. - Lau FC, Shukitt-Hale B., Joseph JA. Neurobiol Aging. 2005 Dec;26 Suppl 1:128-32. Epub 2005 Sep 27.

Bioavailability of quercetin from berries and the diet.

The results showed that plasma quercetin is bioavailable from a diet containing berries and indicate that it may be a good biomarker of fruit and vegetable intake in general. -Department of Health and Functional Capacity, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland

Dietary Intakes of Berries and Flavonoids in Relation to Cognitive Decline

Greater intakes of blueberries and strawberries were associated with slower rates of cognitive decline. - Devore, E. E., Kang, J. H., Breteler, M. M. B. and Grodstein, F. (2012).

Berry Fruits for Cancer Prevention: Current Status and Future Prospects

Overwhelming evidence suggests that edible small and soft-fl eshed berry fruits may have beneficial effects against several types of human cancers. - Journal of Agricultrual and Food Chemistry, 2008, 56 (3), pp 630-635. DOI: 10.1021/jf072504n. January 23, 2008.

Can Foods Forestall Aging

Studies at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables with a high-ORAC value may help slow the aging process in both body and brain. -USDA Agricultural Research Service

Find out What Pesticides are Actually on your Food

Research from the USDA Pesticide Testing program shows many of the most common foods and what pesticides were detected on them. This is pretty scary and will really make you think about eating only organic or wild berries.

The Organic Center: Antioxidant Report

An Examination of Elevating Antioxidant Levels in Food through Organic Farming and Food Processing -Charles M. Benbrook Ph.D.Chief Scientist

Quercetin: Overview, Research and Benefits

Quercetin acts like an antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory, and may help protect against heart disease and cancer. -University of Maryland Medical Center

Wild Lingonberries

Europen Study Finds Lingonberries Help Prevent Weight Gain

A study at Lund University in Sweden found Wild Lingonberries almost completely prevented weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. The wild lingonberries also produced lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol. The popular Acai berry actually promoted weight gain. The researchers note eating the berries raw for the best results. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 403041

Consumption of Black Currants, Lingonberries and Bilberries Increases Serum Quercetin Concentrations

The serum quercetin concentrations were significantly higher, 32%-51%, in the subjects consuming berries compared to the control group - European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003) 57, 37-42. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601513.

Dr. Oz - The New Superfruit: Lingonberry.

A 2010 study found that lingonberries were able to reduce the effect of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These AGEs contribute to the damage in a diabetics vessels. This damage is a major contributor to kidney disease, eye disease and circulation problems that can lead to skin sores and amputation. - Pina LoGiudice ND, LAc and Peter Bongiorno ND, LAc. Inner Source Health. DoctorOz.com. October 4, 2011.

Lingonberry Benefits

Lingonberries appear to have higher concentrations of plant polyphenols, and may confer even greater health benefits than its other berry cousins. -by Pina LoGiudice ND, LAc and Peter Bongiorno ND, LAc. Inner Source Health

Healthy focus- Health benefits of lingonberries

Lingonberries are an antioxidant rich powerhouse with excellent properties that may help treat chronic inflammation which is the underlying cause for many cancers and diseases.

Wild Blueberries

Dr. OZ: Wild Blueberries, Black Currants & Muscadine Grapes | Cancer Fighting Foods

Wild fruits and vegetables are the most anti cancer and powerful foods out there. The pigments in berries, their bright red or bright blue colors, are anti-inflammatory and actually stop cancer in its tracks. - HealthyBodyDaily.com

Bioactives in Blueberries Improve Insulin Sensitivity in Obese, Insulin-Resistant Men and Women

Dietary supplementation with whole blueberries in a preclinical study resulted in a reduction in glucose concentrations over time. - 2010 American Society for Nutrition.

Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults

The anthocyanins in blueberries have been associated with increased neuronal signaling in brain centers, mediating memory function as well as improved glucose disposal, benefits that would be expected to mitigate neurodegeneration. - Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center

Eating berries may activate the brains natural housekeeper for healthy aging

Scientists today reported the first evidence that eating blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries may help the aging brain stay healthy in a crucial but previously unrecognized way. -The American Chemical Society.

Black Raspberries

Black Raspberries a Potentially Powerful Agent in Fight Against Colon Cancer

In a recent study, rats that were injected with a cancer-causing agent and then fed a berry-rich diet had 80 percent fewer malignant tumors compared to rats that had no berries in their diet. - Stoner, Gary; Wagner, Holly. Research News. Research Communications. Ohio State University.

Health and Healing Facts of Black Raspberries

When compared to other foods, black raspberries have extremely high ORAC values. They are also among the highest foods in anthocyanins. -Presented by the Oregon Raspberry and Blackberry Commission.

Anthocyanins in Black Raspberries Prevent Esophageal Tumors in Rats

Researchers found evidence in rats that black raspberries may both prevent the onset of esophageal cancer as well as inhibit precancerous growth already underway. - Stoner, Gary; Wagner, Holly. Research News. Research Communications. Ohio State University.

Wild Huckleberries

Huckleberries aid the pancreas in digesting sugars and starches.
Huckleberries are high in iron and help in building blood.
Huckleberries are associated with lowering cholesterol; protecting against heart diseases, muscular degeneration, glaucoma, varicose veins, and peptic ulcers.
Huckleberries are a good source vitamin B, huckleberry supports and speeds up the metabolism rate, keeps skin and muscle tone healthy. They improve immune system function, promote cell growth and division and helps in preventing pancreatic cancer.
Since it is high in vitamin C, the berry protects the body against immune deficiencies, cardiovascular diseases, prenatal health problems, and eye diseases.
The berry ensures proper functioning of nerve and muscle tissues, such as the heart and skeletal muscles, due to its high content of potassium.
Clinical studies show that huckleberries promote eye health, especially with diabetics.

Wild Blackberries

Being rich in antioxidants, wild blackberries help the body in fighting free radicals and thus, avoid various types of cancer, especially breast and cervical cancer.
Yet another benefit that arises from the antioxidants in wild blackberries comprises of protection against chronic disease.
The high tannin content, and the resultant antiseptic and astringent properties, of wild blackberries makes them good for tightening tissues as well as treating minor bleeding.
Consumption of wild blackberries has been found to be beneficial for those suffering from diarrhea and intestinal inflammation.
Mild infections, like sore throats and mouth irritations, can be treated with the help of wild blackberries.
Wild blackberries have been used to alleviate hemorrhoids also, another property that arises from their high tannin content.
Wild blackberries have been found to have anti-bacterial properties and can even help cleanse blood.
Regular consumption of wild blackberries has been seen to delay the process of ageing.
It is believed that the cyanidin-3-O-glucoside present in wild blackberries exerts protective benefits against endothelial dysfunction and vascular failure induced by peroxynitrite.
Wild blackberries are known to contain salicylate, an analgesic or pain reliever, which might help lower the risk of heart diseases.
Regular consumption of wild blackberries can help strengthen the blood vessels in your body.
Wild blackberries serve as a great source of ellagic acid, which is known to have antiviral properties.
The high fiber content in wild blackberries helps maintain digestive health, control blood sugar, lose weight and lower cholesterol levels.
The flavonoids present in wild blackberries promote vision health, by preventing macular degeneration.

Gooseberries

Gooseberries are a good source of Bioflavonoids, plant pigments that help prevent cancer and other diseases.
Gooseberries help diabeteics by reducing the level of sugar in the blood and stimulating the hormones that secrete insulin.
Gooseberries strengthens heart muscles enabling the heart to pump blood throughout the body.
Gooseberries are effective in boosting immunity and rejuvenating the vitality of the body.
Gooseberries help increase the production of red blood cells in the body.

Black Currants

Black currants are known for their high content of vitamin C, GLA (Gamma-Linoleic Acid) and potassium. They contain twice the amount of potassium found in bananas, 4 times the vitamin C in oranges and twice the antioxidants in blueberries.
They contain anthocyanins that help in fighting against cardiovascular disease, aging, joint inflammation, eyestrain, urinary infections, kidney stones and even cancer.
The fruits are packed with anti-oxidant compounds that help in the prevention of dementia.
The derivatives of black currants are formulated into treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
Black currants are used by herbalists to cure diarrhea, tonsillitis, whooping cough and gum disease.
They are also used to flavor various medicines and throat lozenges.
Drinking black currant juice is a healthy way to improve your antioxidant intake and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The fruit intensifies weak peripheral circulation caused by menopause and cleans the blood of toxins, wastes and cholesterol.
A diet rich in black currants proves to be helpful against rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Red Currants

Redcurrants are rich in fiber, which aids good gut function and even the development of healthy gut microflora.
It is rich in Vitamin C, which has vital protective antioxidant properties.
Apart from this, it fights especially against various forms of cancer, as well as helps in many specific everyday functions.
Due to the presence of Vitamin C, Iron present in redcurrants can be very well used by the body.
It is a storehouse of active antioxidants, as measured by TEAC method. It helps to combat the destructive free radicals generated by the body every day which are in turn responsible for ageing and health degeneration.
Some of the supposed benefits include fever-reducing, sweat-inducing, menstrual-flow inducing, mild laxative, astringent, appetite increasing, blood cleansing, diuretic and digestive properties.
Moreover, it is considered that tea made from dried redcurrant leaves is said to ease the symptoms of gout and rheumatism.
It can also be useful in compressing poorly healing wounds and also as a gargling solution for mouth infections.

Tart Cherries

Studies show that anthocyanins in tart cherries significantly lower muscle inflammation and pain caused by excessive use.
Tart cherries rank 14th in the top 50 most antioxidant rich foods.
Numerous studies have shown that tart cherries help pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, as well as helping reduce instances of recurrent gout attacks by 45%.
Chronic inflammation can lead to a number of health complications including but not limited to obesity, cancer and heart disease. Research indicates that tart cherries lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate, tumor necrosis factor levels, and monocyte chemotactic protein—all key indicators of inflammation.
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is an indicator of early onset of cardiovascular disease. Tart cherries are known to reduce cholesterol, and in turn reduce the risk of heart disease.
Tart cherries are chockablock full of the antioxidant melatonin, which helps regulate healthy sleep patterns.

Organic Aronia

Studies show that aronia berries contain large amounts of anthocyanins which are known to help inhibit certain cancers such as colon and breast cancer.
Extremely high amounts of vitamin C in aronia berries help boost immune systems and stave off viruses such as the common cold.
Aronia berries contain high amounts of Flavonoids which help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Studies show aronia berries contain flavonoids which help reduce Oxidized Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol which is the most dangerous kind.
Studies show aronia berries contain powerful compounds which helps aid with treatment of diabetes.
Aronia berries have been proven to treat the underlying issues of metabolic syndrome (exessive belly fat around the waist)

Wild Bilberries

Bilberries are one of the greatest natural sources of anthocyanins in nature. With a general range of 300-700 mg of anthocyanins per 100 g of fruit, bilberries are extremely rich in antioxidant content which helps promote excellent eye health, while assisting in lowering blood glucose, having anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects, as well as promoting antioxidant defense and lower oxidative stress.
In human studies, participants were treated with anthocyanins from bilberries and ginkgo biloba extract for 6-59 months. The results suggest improvement in vision function for sufferers of normal tension glaucoma.
Fresh bilberries contain quercetin which is a flavonoid (a type of antioxidant) that neutralizes free radicals. Free radicals are scavenge particles in the body that damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA and even cause cell death.
Tannins found in bilberries have anti-inflammatory properties and may help control diarrhea.
Anthocyanosides may prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or 'bad cholesterol'. This prevents plaque build up in blood vessels which lead to stroke and heart attack.

Newsletter Subscription